The Nigerian Governors’ Forum on Tuesday vowed to support traders at the Shasha market in Ibadan, Oyo State capital to rebuild the market.
The governors stated this during their visit to the market on Tuesday.
The governors visited the market few days after the clash that occurred in the market.
The clash erupted as a result of the death of a Yoruba man, Mr. Sakirudeen Adeola who died as a result of a charm allegedly placed on him by another man who is said to be an Hausa by origin.
The clash saw some shops and houses destroyed, while five people reportedly lost their lives.
NGF delegation led by Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, spoke on behalf of his colleagues when they visited the market.
Bagudu, who was joined by his colleagues from Zamfara, Kano, and Niger States, commended Governor, Seyi Makinde, for what he has done in restoring peace and normalcy to the community.
Bagudu, said, “We, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, are going to support. As a matter of fact, we have given a token to those who are already displaced, and we will meet at a wider table tomorrow and can assure that more support will be mobilised.”
He noted that the governors visited the market to commiserate with the government and people of the state on the incident that led to the destruction of properties in the state.
He added that the Governors had seen the level of damages and are ready to assist on rebuilding of the market.
Bagudu said, “For the generality of all Nigerians, it is important to know that the streets of Ibadan are calm. People are not chasing one another. People are supporting one another to resume normalcy.”
“One, there had been contention over the leadership of the Sasa market but even though the Seriki Sasa and Baale of Sasa are in agreement about leadership, other interested groups were not so in agreement. So, there was this undercurrent playing out.”
“On the other hand, there was somebody pushing a wheelbarrow with tomatoes and it fell in front of a shop. Ordinarily, one would have thought such is normal in a market but since emotions are pent up, unfortunately, we had such a situation. We sympathise with all those who lost their lives and property.”
“We saw the damage and we appreciate what the governor has done so far. We have seen what the security agencies have also done, and we are glad that things are returning to normalcy.”